Early Stage Pitch Competition Open to all! Come pitch your business idea for a chance to win some $$ and meet the people who will help turn your dreams into a reality! The High Desert Innovation Fest is a unique event where aspiring entrepreneurs from across the PNW get the opportunity to pitch their innovative ideas and network with a diverse audience of industry professionals, Investors, and founders. Set in the heart of the Pacific Northwest in Bend, Oregon, we are kickstarting Bend's Innovation week on October 14th. At its core, High Desert Innovation Fest is a startup competition where experienced and aspiring entrepreneurs alike from across the Pacific Northwest to come and pitch their ideas, meet industry professionals, investors, and receive the resources they need to turn a vision into reality.
Join Cultivate Bend for an amazing lineup of fireside chats and panel discussions between industry founders, leaders, and community members. Each one will inspire, inform and look to spark conversations around Oregon's unique place within the consumer product ecosystem.The event will take place throughout the afternoon with ample time for networking and community building, including a happy hour reception.
The country's first outdoor accelerator. This is where you become unstoppable. Three educational sessions on marketing, funding, and founders’ stories. Attend 1, 2, or all 3 sessions. In-depth panel discussion with time for Q&A. Network with other outdoor industry experts and form lasting connections. Participate in a silent auction of amazing outdoor gear. Our program consists of a 14-week program followed by four monthly sessions. Applicants must be prepared to commit to the program, attend weekly meetings, and come to Bend for some in-person sessions. Our goal is to curate cohorts that are inclusive, diverse, and dynamic.
Watch the four early-stage or growth-stage cohort companies compete for cash prizes. Vote for your favorite! Only program members can participate, but watching the event is open to the public. Network with outdoor industry experts and business owners and join a growing outdoor community. Listen to our inspiring and insightful Keynote Speakers tell their brands' stories.
Bend Venture Conference (BVC) is one of the longest standing and largest angel conferences in the Pacific Northwest. Bend Venture Conference (BVC) takes place in beautiful downtown Bend and creating a high-level of entrepreneurial activity and energy. In its twentieth year, BVC is a pillar of Central Oregon’s robust entrepreneurial culture that has transformed this small timber community into a mecca for startups. Throughout the conference attendees hear company pitches, participate in multiple networking activities and listen to inspiring presenters from across the United States. Day 1 includes Morning seminars at Tetherow Resort followed by a kickoff celebration and afternoon pitches at the historic Tower Theatre and returning to Tetherow Resort for an evening networking reception.
Bend Venture Conference (BVC) is one of the longest standing and largest angel conferences in the Pacific Northwest. Bend Venture Conference (BVC) takes place in beautiful downtown Bend and creating a high-level of entrepreneurial activity and energy. In its twentieth year, BVC is a pillar of Central Oregon’s robust entrepreneurial culture that has transformed this small timber community into a mecca for startups. Throughout the conference attendees hear company pitches, participate in multiple networking activities and listen to inspiring presenters from across the United States. Each fall hundreds of entrepreneurs and investors from around the country descend on Bend, Oregon for a two-day celebration of entrepreneurship. Now in its 20th year, BVC is the longest standing and largest angel investment conference in the Pacific Northwest and has served as a catalyst for startup investment in Central Oregon. Since its inception, the BVC LLC Funds have awarded over $12 million in investment and participating companies have leveraged connections from the conference to receive millions in additional funding. Throughout the conference attendees hear company pitches, break away for networking events at local restaurants and learn from aspiring entrepreneurs and industry thought leaders.
Join our Innovation Week!
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